Want to grow your agency through Builders Risk? Here is the playbook...

Want to grow your agency through Builders Risk? Here is the playbook...

Author: Heath Shearon May 8, 2025 Duration: 51:11

In this conversation, Matt Waxman shares his journey from a marketing major to a successful figure in the insurance industry, discussing his experiences in hospitality, insurance claims, and marketing. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the property market, particularly in challenging areas like Florida and Texas, and offers valuable advice for agents navigating these tough times. The discussion also touches on the evolution of his company, Alchemy Insurance Solutions, and the opportunities within the builders risk space. In this conversation, Matt Waxman and Heath Shearon delve into the complexities of Builders Risk insurance and the emerging cannabis insurance market. They discuss the importance of building strong relationships with underwriters, understanding client needs, and the necessity of educating producers on these specialized insurance products. The dialogue emphasizes the need for agents to develop pipelines for Builders Risk and the lucrative opportunities within the cannabis sector, highlighting the evolving nature of these industries and the role of Alchemy Insurance Solutions in providing comprehensive coverage solutions.

takeaways

  • Matt Waxman has a diverse background in marketing, hospitality, and insurance.
  • He transitioned from a marketing major to a career in insurance after exploring various fields.
  • Waxman emphasizes the importance of building relationships in the builders risk market.
  • The property market presents challenges, but also opportunities for agents willing to adapt.
  • Alchemy Insurance Solutions focuses on solving pain points in the insurance market.
  • Understanding the needs of clients is crucial for success in insurance.
  • Waxman encourages agents to prepare thoroughly when submitting risks to underwriters.
  • Flexibility in underwriting is essential in today's property market.
  • The builders risk space can lead to long-term relationships with clients.
  • Agents should not give up on finding coverage solutions for their clients. The likelihood of declination increases without proper partnerships.
  • Understanding Builders Risk is crucial for effective insurance solutions.
  • Building relationships with underwriters is essential for agents.
  • Providing detailed information to underwriters enhances approval chances.
  • Agents must sell both to clients and carriers effectively.
  • The cannabis insurance market presents significant opportunities.
  • Education and webinars are vital for agents to succeed in niche markets.
  • Direct access to underwriters fosters better communication and solutions.
  • Agents should be transparent about their knowledge in niche markets.
  • The insurance landscape is evolving, requiring adaptability from agents.



05:52
Matt Waxman's Journey to Insurance

10:32
Cornerstone to Alchemy: Evolution of a Company

18:00
Navigating the Property Market Challenges

20:06
Advice for Agents in a Tough Market

21:54
Navigating the Builders Risk Landscape

28:10
Understanding the Role of Underwriters

32:32
Building a Pipeline for Builders Risk

35:53
Exploring the Cannabis Insurance Market

40:07
The Science Behind Cannabis Insurance

45:53
Alchemy Insurance Solutions: A Comprehensive Overview

My amazing Sponsors;

Smart Choice
Canopy Connect
Olde School Marketing 


Heath Shearon has spent years navigating every corner of the insurance industry, and in Insurance Town, he acts as your guide through its often complex landscape. Think of each episode as a casual, informative conversation held on the front porch of a town built entirely on insurance knowledge. Heath, who jokingly refers to himself as the Mayor, doesn’t just lecture; he brings in the many friends and colleagues he’s met over his career for genuine discussions that break down real-world scenarios. You’ll hear practical advice, behind-the-scenes insights, and straightforward explanations designed for both industry newcomers and seasoned professionals. This isn't about dry theory-it's about the tangible how-to and the why behind common business and personal coverage questions. The tone is welcoming and grounded in experience, set to a bluesy soundtrack courtesy of Daddy Long Legs. Tune into this podcast for a unique blend of business education and relatable storytelling that makes the intricacies of insurance feel approachable and even engaging.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Insurance Town
Podcast Episodes
The “hold my beer” of insurance ! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 49:52
This week in Insurance town the Mayor sits down with Sarah Koolhof, a dynamic insurance professional whose journey spans theater, rugby, and underwriting. Discover how embracing discomfort and versatility has shaped her…
The Lazy River Files! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 19:12
In this episode, we are doing something a little different. Casey Nelson and I hosted an open call live one day and we called it the lazy river. WE wanted to invite people to "float in and hang out ad float out. Ive prov…
AI in your business!! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:00
In this weeks episode, release my virtual course in Bob Dietrich and Pamela Dunn's virtual program called "Unlease AI in your Business" that released this week. Hope you enjoy it. Let me know what you think... Sponsored…
What should you be paying attention to in 2026? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 41:15
In this week episode, Heath Shearon and Casey Nelson discuss the importance of standardizing processes in agencies, the impact of AI on business, and the potential societal reset from reducing screen time. They explore t…
Insurance Agency ownership looks a little different these days [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 35:29
This week in Insurance Town I get to catch up with my old friend, and former colleague, Therese Potter of Envela. We have a fun conversation we get to catch up on what she has been up to all the hats she currently wears,…
Fair creates new opportunities and revenue streams for your agency! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:06:53
In this episode of the Insurance Town Podcast, I sit down with Clint Houke for a wide ranging, high trust conversation to kick off the new year the right way. This is one of those talks that feels like two industry vets…
Out Of Service Keynote from IIANC [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 44:57
HAPPY NEW YEAR!! Thank you so much for yet another amazing year in Insurance Town!! This weeks episode is a little different, No Guest. This week i am releasing one of my keynote presentations from a conference I spoke a…
Let's talk about influence!! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 59:09
In this episode of Insurance Town, the Mayor sits down with Brian Ahearn to unpack the difference between social media influence and true leadership influence, while also sharing a meaningful conversation around faith, f…
Is Self-Insuring the Future for Business Owners? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 44:33
In this episode of Insurance Town, host Heath Shearon welcomes Van Carlson to discuss the evolution of risk management and the importance of self-insuring for businesses. They explore the 831B tax code, its history, and…